BANGKOK, May 28 (TNA)- Her Royal Highness Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn on Monday presided over the royally-sponsored bathing rites
for statesman General Prem Tinsulanonda at Wat Benchamapobhit temple.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has sponsored the
seven-day funeral rite for Gen Prem who passed at the age of 98 on Sunday. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on behalf
of the King attended the first day of the funeral on Monday.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife Naraporn along
with senior officials, heads of government agencies, politicians and
representatives of the private sector also attended the funeral bathing rite at
the temple.
Until June 2, religious rites will be held at the temple as
Thailand flies national flags at half-mast to honor the influential statesman.
On the last day of the funeral, Their Majesties King and
Queen will preside over a merit-making ceremony dedicated to Gen Prem. HM the King who, in a royal command,
described Gen Prem as a great national benefactor, has also granted a royal urn
for Prem’s ashes.
At a military barrack in Nakhon Ratchasima, army officers
gathered at Gen Prem statue for a wreath-laying ceremony to honour Gen Prem who
was commander of the Army Region 2 in 1970’s.
At his home province of Songkhla, mourners have gathered at
places related to the Privy Council president including his birthplace which is
now Phathammarong Museum. People on Koh
Yor island in Songkhla have collected donation to build a memorial of Gen Prem
who contributed to community development.
The 16th prime minister of Thailand had served as the army
commander-in-chief, privy councilor, statesman, president of the Privy Council,
as well as a regent between October and December 2016.(TNA)
